EBU calls on Ukraine to ensure proper funding for UA:PBC public broadcaster

"Operating a sustainable public service media has been acknowledged as a strategic aim of Ukraine. It is embedded in the core of recent political reforms that a robust and independent public service broadcaster is a crucial tool in the fight against corruption, the respect of the rule of Law, and an important step towards Ukraine’s European integration," the statement reads.

Noting that UA:PBC's public service remit is, in line with international standards, broad and comprehensive in order to promote public interest, democracy, social cohesion and local and national culture, EUB says that in order to fulfil its vital role for the society, Ukraine's public broadcaster must be adequately funded.

Read alsoEurovision organizers preparing sanctions against Ukraine – National TV Company headThe Law envisages funding of 0.2 % of state budget expenditure for the previous year equalling around EUR 40 million. This is one of the smallest budgets in Europe in comparison with other broadcasters that have higher budgets, but cover smaller areas and communities, according to the statement.

Director General of UA:PBC Zurab Alasania, who resigned last year in an open disagreement with the envisaged funding of public service broadcasting for 2017, said, "UA: PBC is suffering very hard times It’s a time of reform for us, and rebuilding a former state company into an independent public service media. The lack of required funding undermines the whole reform process, and our future itself. " 

Read alsoUkraine, China sign deal on cooperation in movie, media industries – XinhuaManagement board of UA:PBC earlier this week published an official statement expressing its concern about possible underfunding of the broadcaster which could affect not only its ability to fulfil its remit, but moreover could affect its independence, especially on the eve of a general election campaign.

EBU Director General Noel Curran said: "The EBU calls on the Ukrainian Government to ensure appropriate, fair and independent funding for UA:PBC in line with the Ukrainian Law and European standards. A sudden drop in its funding levels, would undermine the important process of reform UA:PBC has undertaken in order to operate as sustainable and independent public service media organization."